Attractions and Places To See around Außenalster - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Außenalster, Hamburg's larger artificial lake, offer a central recreational area within the city. Formed by the damming of the Alster River, it provides a serene escape with opportunities for leisure and sightseeing. The lake and its shores are used for sports and recreation, including sailing, rowing, and cycling, with a popular 7 km circuit path. The banks feature green parks and historic architecture, making it a significant part of Hamburg's identity.
Best attractions and places to see around Außenalster
- The most popular attractions is View of the Außenalster, a viewpoint that allows visitors to sit and enjoy the Alster water. It is a popular spot for walks in various weather conditions.
- Another must-see spot is Schwanenwik Bridge, a historical bridge. This truss arch bridge spans the Wandse River on the eastern shore and offers panoramic views over the Outer Alster.
- Visitors also love View of the Outer Alster, a viewpoint offering insights into the lake's features. The Outer Alster is approximately 164 hectares in size and up to 4.5 meters deep, fed by the Alster, Osterbek, and Wandse rivers.
- Außenalster is known for its viewpoints, historical sites, and recreational paths. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from scenic lake views to architectural landmarks and cycling routes.
- The attractions around Außenalster are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3300 upvotes and over 260 photos shared by users.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
View of the Außenalster
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View of the Outer Alster
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Cycle street along the Außenalster
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Deutsche Bahn's DB RAD+ app is now available on the way to the train station. The points collected from this app can be redeemed at participating retailers and service providers in the vicinity of the train station. The journeys are recorded anonymously and conclusions can be drawn about bicycle usage. The aim is to incentivize cycling as a feeder to public transport.
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View of the Outer Alster
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Schwanenwik Bridge
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The truss arch bridge was built between 1874 and 1878 according to plans by Franz Andreas Meyer. It has a span of 26 meters and a total length of 55 meters. The structure has two granite abutments, each with a vaulted passageway for pedestrians. During the Second World War, the passageways were bricked up and used as air-raid shelters; in the following years, they were almost completely filled in.
Between 1976 and 1980, the structure was renovated and rebuilt. The original exterior appearance was restored. Reinforced concrete arches replaced the central iron truss girders. The walkways in the abutments and the railing decorated with vine leaves were also renewed. In addition, the bridge received eight new lampposts instead of the previous 15, arranged in pairs. The new lamps were modeled after the originals but are not identical.
Since the renovation, the bridge has a load-bearing capacity of 60 tons (previously 30 tons). It is now one of Hamburg's oldest surviving iron structures and is a listed historical monument.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwanen
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Popular around Außenalster
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Running Trails around Außenalster
Road Cycling Routes around Außenalster
Cycling around Außenalster
Gravel biking around Außenalster
MTB Trails around Außenalster
Hiking around Außenalster
Tips from the Community
The Eilbek Canal can be easily crossed here.
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The lovers' love locks hang on the bridge. You also have a great view of the Alster.
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The bridge is located on the east bank of the Outer Alster at the confluence of the Wandse on the border between the districts of Hohenfelde and Uhlenhorst. The street "Schwanenwik" leads over the bridge.
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Here, on the Outer Alster, you'll find what is probably the most beautiful cycle path in the world. Here, too, cyclists have the right of way. The Outer Alster was the part of the lake that was "outside" the city walls and was built in 1625. In 1804, the city walls and ramparts were demolished and converted into parks, but the spatial separation between the two lakes was retained. The Outer Alster has an area of 1.64 square kilometers (164 hectares) and is on average only about 2.5 meters deep. There are several consular offices on the banks of the Alster and on Harvestehuder Weg on the west bank, such as the US Consulate General. Due to its proximity to the city center and its recreational qualities, the Outer Alster is home to a number of hotels: Among others, the five-star superior Hotel Atlantic is located on the southeastern bay of the Outer Alster, and the Fontenay on the west bank. Deutsche Bahn's DB RAD+ app is now available on the way to the train station. The points collected from this app can be redeemed at participating retailers and service providers in the vicinity of the train station. The journeys are recorded anonymously and conclusions can be drawn about bicycle usage. The aim is to incentivize cycling as a feeder to public transport.
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Beautiful bike path absolutely enjoy the view.
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Wonderful place to enjoy a cold beer.
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The Krugkupplung Bridge is a listed structure that spans the Alster on the north side of the Outer Alster between Hamburg-Harvestehude and Winterhude and carries the street "Krugkupplung" across the river.
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The Schwanenwikbrücke with its candelabra and wrought iron railing is located on the Hamburg Outer Alster.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ways to experience the Außenalster by foot or bike?
The most popular way to experience the Außenalster is by following the approximately 7 km circuit path around the lake, ideal for jogging, cycling, or skating. This path offers continuous scenic views and is a central recreational area. For specific routes, you can find various options in the Running Trails around Außenalster guide, including a 6.7 km loop from Schwanenwik Bridge, or explore the Hiking around Außenalster guide for walks like the 7 km loop from Rotherbaum.
Are there any historical sites or architectural landmarks to see around Außenalster?
Yes, the Außenalster area features several historical and architectural points of interest. The Schwanenwik Bridge, a truss arch bridge built between 1874 and 1878, is a listed historical monument with vaulted pedestrian passageways that once served as air-raid shelters. Additionally, the banks in districts like Harvestehude, Uhlenhorst, and Winterhude are home to elegant villas and historic buildings, showcasing the preferred residences of wealthy Hamburg residents.
What kind of water activities can I do on the Außenalster?
The Außenalster is a hub for various water sports and recreation. You can enjoy sailing, rowing, pedal boating, canoeing, and stand-up paddling. Several long-standing sailing and rowing clubs are based around the lake. Alster boat tours are also available by steamboat from Jungfernstieg, offering a different perspective of Hamburg and the Alster.
What are the best viewpoints to enjoy the scenery of Außenalster?
The Außenalster offers numerous excellent viewpoints. The View of the Außenalster is a popular spot to sit and enjoy the lake. Another great option is the View of the Outer Alster, which provides insights into the lake's features. The Schwanenwik Bridge also offers panoramic views over the Outer Alster, especially towards the Mundsburg bridge and the city skyline.
Is the Außenalster area suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. The Außenalster is very family-friendly. Many highlights, including the View of the Außenalster, Schwanenwik Bridge, and View of the Outer Alster, are categorized as family-friendly. The green parks along the Alster shore, such as Alsterpark, are ideal for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the swans and geese. The 7 km circuit path is also great for family walks or bike rides.
Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs around Außenalster?
Yes, the area around Außenalster includes accessible paths. The Schwanenwik Bridge is noted as wheelchair accessible, and the popular 7 km circuit path around the lake is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for wheelchair users to enjoy the views and atmosphere.
What is the best time of day or year to visit Außenalster?
The Außenalster is beautiful year-round, but offers different experiences. The western side of the Alster is particularly pleasant in the afternoon and evening when the sun illuminates the scene, making it ideal for cyclists and those looking to relax. The east side is highly recommended for enjoying beautiful summer sunsets. In general, the area is popular in all seasons, with visitors enjoying walks even in wind, rain, or snow.
Where can I find green spaces and parks for relaxation around Außenalster?
The banks of the Außenalster are lined with ancient trees and green parks perfect for relaxation. Notable spots include Alsterpark on the northwest shore, a popular place for unwinding amidst nature. On the eastern side, the Alsterwiesen Schwanenwik and Park Schöne Aussicht are renowned for their beautiful sunset views and offer ample space for picnicking and sunbathing.
What cycling routes are available near Außenalster?
Beyond the popular 7 km circuit around the lake, the Außenalster serves as a starting point for longer cycling adventures. The Leinpfad — Cycle Street along the Alster is a dedicated bicycle street offering a smooth ride with many impressions. For more extensive rides, you can explore the Road Cycling Routes around Außenalster guide, which includes routes like a 21.7 km loop to the View of the Port of Hamburg.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Außenalster?
Visitors consistently praise the Außenalster as an essential part of Hamburg's charm. Many enjoy simply sitting by the water and taking in the serene atmosphere, often describing it as 'Hamburg's pearl.' The opportunity for walks in any weather condition and the beautiful views are frequently highlighted, with the area being seen as a place to relax and enjoy the city's natural beauty.
Are there any specific natural features of the Außenalster that are worth noting?
The Außenalster is an artificial lake spanning 164 hectares, formed by the damming of the Alster River. It is relatively shallow, averaging about 2.5 meters in depth, and is fed by the Alster, Osterbek, and Wandse rivers. The lake's natural beauty is enhanced by its surrounding green banks and ancient trees, providing a vital green lung within the city.
Can I rent boats to explore the Außenalster independently?
Yes, you can rent various types of boats to explore the Außenalster at your own pace. Pedal boats, canoes, and sailing boats are available for rent, allowing you to enjoy the lake independently and experience its tranquility from the water.
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